ESPN reported on Thursday that tight end Kyle Rudolph has signed a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 32-year-old player was released by the New York Giants in March after making 26 catches for 257 yards over the year he spent with the team.
Upon his arrival in Tampa, Rudolph is expected to fill the gap at the tight end that was left behind by Rob Gronkowski, who recently retired from the sport. Alternative tight end Codey McElroy lacks experience, having only appeared in one competitive league game.
Prior to joining the Giants, Rudolph played for the Minnesota Vikings for 10 seasons. In total, he has made 49 touchdowns and 479 catches for 4,745 yards during his entire NFL career. This includes averages of 2.9 yards per separation as well as 4.0 yards and 3.4 yards respectively over the last two years.
Having retired for a second time, Gronkowski publicly stated that he has no intention of ever returning to the NFL. Should Rudolph be unavailable, the Buccaneers will be able to fill the position with rookies Cade Otton or Ko Kieft, both of whom were picked during the NFL Draft in April this year.
